Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-05-10

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Turkey officially disputes naval chief's flight plan over Rhodes, Athens reaction

[02] Greece to enter its candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council

[03] Papandreou says close cooperation with UN to make Olympic Truce stable force of peace

[04] Papandreou outlines Greece's Balkan role on CNN interview

[05] Top Europarliament officials blame UCK for crisis in FYROM

[06] Premier to issue call for dialogue on social security problem, industrialists issue proposals

[07] Government spokesman says Inner Cabinet discussed government's priorities

[08] Education minister defends TEI bill as academics step up protests

[09] Greece celebrates 20th anniversary since its European Union entry

[10] Christodoulos arrives in St Petersburg, pays homage to WWII dead

[11] New Buenos Aires Orthodox Metropolitan elected

[12] MPs demand Parliament protest over brutality in Turkish jails

[13] Budget revenues up 14.6 percent in April

[14] Farmers' income in 2000 rose by 2.1 pct, topping EU average

[15] Development minister presents four support programs for tourist businesses

[16] Rumors drive Greek stocks sharply lower on ASE

[17] Prince of Wales continues private visit to Mount Athos

[18] Monograph of Cambridge professor on ancient Greeks presented in London

[19] New tourist guide for Greece unveiled

[20] Greek soccer federation agrees to joint 2008 bid with Turkish counterpart

[21] Attikat group gets part of Olympic Village construction deal

[22] Commissioner satisfied with progress made in Cyprus' EU course

[01] Turkey officially disputes naval chief's flight plan over Rhodes, Athens reaction

ISTANBUL, 10/05/2001 (ANA – A. Kourkoulas)

“The 1947 Treaty of Paris considers Rhodes demilitarized, and therefore, no military helicopter from any country can land on the island,” a Turkish foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, one day after a government spokesman in Athens dismissed Ankara’s claim.

Athens on Tuesday verified that Greek naval chief Vice-Adm. Georgios Theodoroulakis won’t travel to neighboring Turkey for a command transfer ceremony because Ankara objected to a flight plan that included a refueling stop on the holiday island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecannese isles in the southeast Aegean.

In commenting on the development from New York, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou reiterated that there was no issue of demilitarization for Greece’s Aegean islands, adding that the NATO and European member-state had every right to defend its territorial integrity, and was “doing so in the most effective manner.”

In stressing Athens’ standing position over the demilitarization claim, a Greek spokesman on Tuesday reiterated that Athens accepts no interventions or limitations affecting the country’s sovereignty. Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas also termed Ankara’s interpretation of the Dodecannese island chain’s demilitarization status as “incorrect”.

In Wednesday’s news, Turkey’s “Anadolu” news agency reported that a Greek diplomat was called to the Turkish foreign ministry to receive Ankara’s formal rejection of the flight plan, a few days after Greece’s naval attache was verbally briefed on Turkey’s annoyance with the prospect of a military craft landing on its soil via Rhodes.

Diplomatic sources in Turkey later described the language and tone used in the both the verbal communication and the diplomatic note as "mild and friendly", without however, failing to mention that the latest incident marked a "setback" in relations.

"Ankara is repeating its arguments and reasoning that led NATO's 'Dynamic Mix' exercises last September towards an impasse," the same sources said.

Greece withdrew its forces from the Turkey-based exercise last autumn after Turkey objected to the use of air-corridors over the Aegean islands of Limnos and Ikaria on grounds that they were a "demilitarized zone" - a claim that angered Athens and was later disputed by NATO's legal service. The exercise reciprocated the successful NATO exercise "Dynamic Mix" in Greece a month earlier.

Papandreou, Tsohatzopoulos: According to an ANA dispatch on Wednesday, Papandreou stressed that "Greek positions on this issue are crystal clear. There is no issue of demilitarization of our islands; it is not being discussed, and, of course, this answer is always crystal clear whenever the matter arises.

"What I wish to stress is that it clearly appears that certain circles bringing up such issues hail from the military establishment in Turkey, which appears to not have followed developments over the last two years, something that has changed the prospect of the two countries cooperating," Papandreou said, adding:

"Demilitarization is not an issue of negotiations ... Greece has every right to defend its territorial integrity in the most effective way ... The new relationship that Greece and Turkey have developed has worried some circles, particularly those of the military establishment (in Turkey)," Papandreou said.

On his part, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos emphasized that "Turkey is being led down a wrong path" as the country continues to cause problems in cooperation, not only with Greece, but also with other allied forces in the Aegean.

He also termed Ankara's behavior as "destabilizing", whereas the latest development bolsters Greece's standing argument that there is nothing negotiable in the Aegean.

Finally, the Greek minister said he would brief NATO over the incident.

First rejection: The first reports citing Ankara's rejection of a flight plan towards Turkey's Axaz naval base surfaced last week, prior to Vice-Adm. Theodoroulakis' scheduled attendance at a ceremony transferring command of NATO's Mediterranean anti-mine warfare force (MCMFORMED) from Greece to Turkey.

The incident comes amid improved ties between the two neighbors and NATO allies, although certain "core differences" directly related to Turkey's unilateral claims in the Aegean remain.

Athens has for decades pointed to International Law, maritime and shipping pacts, as well as a handful of internationally recognized treaties as negating all of Ankara's claims.

The only outstanding issue recognized by Athens is that of the Aegean's continental shelf, which it maintains should be referred to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, something Turkey has steadfastly refused to accept.

A Greek military aircraft has on a previous occasion taken off from Rhodes to land on Turkish soil.

Specifically, a Hellenic Air Force C-130 "Hercules" transport plane took off from Rhodes for a Turkish air base in February 1995 to return a Turkish F-16 pilot who had ejected from his plane southeast of the island due to a mechanical malfunction.

The pilot, who was identified at the time as 27-year-old Lt.-Col. Mustafa Yildirim, had been plucked out of the Aegean by a Greek search and rescue helicopter before being briefly hospitalized and flown from Rhodes to Turkey the same day.

[02] Greece to enter its candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council

NEW YORK, 10/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Papandreou handed Anan the relevant letter containing Greece's intent, expressing the hope that this second time Greece will be elected to one of the non-permanent seats of the Security Council.

He also announced to Anan that Greece supports his re-election to the post of Secretary General for a second term. Papandreou also handed over a written statement to Anan requesting that more Greeks be hired by the organization.

According to reports, Papandreou also met with UN special envoy on the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto.

Speaking to the press after his meeting with Anan, Papandreou said that talks with the Secretary General included the Cyprus problem and the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

"It was reaffirmed that we are waiting for developments, without, however, having anything new," Papandreou said regarding the Cyprus issue.

"There were no reservations for the course of Cyprus to Europe, in the event that the Cyprus problem is not resolved. I discussed the issue of Cyprus' European prospects," he said.

Speaking on the crisis in FYROM he said, "the extremist forces in the Balkans are attempting to overturn the course of stability and reforms".

He also spoke of the meeting of the European Union's foreign ministers with Anan on Monday, where the latest developments in the Balkans will be discussed along with a comprehensive proposal for a Balkan policy.

In a press release issued by the UN chief's press office it was noted that "during the meeting with the Greek foreign minister the General Secretary said he would continue to offer his support to the Cyprus sides in the framework of the mission of his good services".

He also expressed "his belief that a just and viable solution can be found through negotiations," adding that it is very important that Greece supports "the mission of his good services".

[03] Papandreou says close cooperation with UN to make Olympic Truce stable force of peace

NEW YORK, 10/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Papandreou, who is Vice President of the International Olympic Truce Foundation (IOTF), was speaking to accredited reporters at the UN's headquarters in the presence of International Olympic Committee (IOC) and IOTF President Juan Antonio Sama-ranch and Athens 2004 Coordinating Committee President and IOTF member Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

"The UN's support, which UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has provided since last year during the celebration of the millennium, is absolutely necessary to enable the IOTF to intervene in specific regions which are being torn apart by warfare, as well as for the development of educational and communications programs to promote the Olympic Truce concept," Papandreou said.

He said Samaranch inspired the initiative for the revival of an old institution of the Olympic Games, the tradition that wants wars to stop throughout their duration and this tradition was not merely a part of the games but was its purpose.

Replying to a question on whether Cyprus will be included in countries to be selected by the Olympic Truce Center, Papandreou said "our region clearly constitutes the first target for promoting the Olympic Truce. During my recent trip to Cyprus, I met with the chairman of the Olympic Games Committee there and we discussed the possibility of the flame crossing through all of Cyprus with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot athletes. It is an idea which will be examined and discussed and which might promote the concept of peace and cooperation on this martyred island as well."

"We have cooperated closely with President Samaranch for the revival of this message of peace," he said, adding that "the Olympic Truce concept is a radical one. However, it has been proved that it can produce results."

Samaranch said that from what Papandreou had presented it is obvious that the Olympic Truce concept is not merely words but practice as well.

"We are looking to the future now, to the games in Salt Lake City and Athens. I have said many times that the Olympic Games constitute a combination of sports and culture. However, in going to Greece there is a third dimension, the historical one. Because the history of the Olympic Games belongs to Greece. We are confident that its effort will achieve a great success not only for Greece but for the entire Olympic movement as well," Samaranch said.

He further said "the sports movement can help politicians in their efforts for peace" and hailed Annan's decision to appoint a special adviser on sports issues "who can contribute to the better coordination of action between the UN and the IOTF."

On her part, Daskalaki said that all who attended the meeting on the Olympic Truce should feel moved by what they saw and heard, which remind of the ancient value and modern promise of Olympism: peace through sport.

She further referred to plans to carry the Olympic Flame to more than 60 countries in all continents and in some of which wars are currently raging.

"To turn the Olympic Truce concept into practice, the 'Athens 2004' organization has decided certain measures. So, Foreign Minister Mr. Papandreou and myself will flank a working committee which will aim at coordinating the actions of the IOTF with processes for the transfer of the Olympic Flame," she said.

[04] Papandreou outlines Greece's Balkan role on CNN interview

NEW YORK, 10/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

To a question on Greece's role in efforts to resolve the FYROM crisis, Papandreou spoke of the close cooperation between Greece and the government and political forces of FYROM aimed at stability in its northern Balkan neighbor.

"We believe that extremism and terrorism cannot resolve the problems in the Balkans," he said.

He noted that Greece firmly supported the inviolability of borders in the region, respect of those borders, and the deepening of democracy, and had taken substantial action in that direction within the framework of the European Union.

Referring to the presence in the region of the European Union's foreign and security chief, Javier Solana, who in cooperation with the US and the FYROM government is backing the formation of a cooperation government that would be in a position to discuss necessary domestic reforms for incorporation of the Albanian population into the country's population and the isolation of extremists, Papandreou said:

"In the Balkans, we are obliged to confront extremism, isolate it, and choose the moderate solutions."

On the formation of a cooperation government decided in FYROM, Papandreou expressed hope that this would comprise a solution to the situation prevailing in the northern neighbor, since the Albanian community would have the opportunity to discuss the proposed reforms and a political solution to the problem, as well as the isolation of extremists.

As for the prospective creation of a new wave of refugees if efforts to resolve the crisis failed, Papandreou said this could prove to be a problem, but added his optimism that such an eventuality would be averted.

Despite the crisis, which comprised a destabilizing factor in the region, the new democratic leaderships in the region, exhibited moderation, regional cooperation and the common vision for incorporation into the EU were strong incentives for reforms and changes, and gave birth to hope for regional cooperation and prosperity, the Greek foreign minister said.

"Consequently, we wish to contain the flash points, limit extremism, and be able to confront certain difficult problems, such as Kosovo and the problem of the Albanians in various countries, in a constructive and democratic way," Papandreou said.

The interview was broadcast live on the CNN network's Europe-World News program.

[05] Top Europarliament officials blame UCK for crisis in FYROM

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

Addressing a two-day seminar on the situation in the Balkans, organized by the Europarliament's European People's Party (PPE), Europarliament officials Elmar Brok, chairman of the committee on foreign affairs, human rights and common foreign and defense policy, and Doris Pack, chairwoman of the Interparliamentary delegation for SE Europe, exercised self-criticism on behalf of the 15-nation bloc on the issue of the UCK.

"The fire in FYROM came from Kosovo, and if we had fully disarmed the UCK we would have succeeded in keeping the crisis from overflowing into FYROM," Pack said, at the same time wondering how difficult a task it would have been to take the arms away from the Kosovars, given the insecurity they felt.

In a similar spirit, Brok said that "if the decision for full disarmament of the UCK had been materialized, we should not have today's problems in FYROM, or at least they would have been fewer".

Brok supported the inviolability of the present borders in the Balkans, and criticized Stability Pact chief Bodo Hombach, who, "instead of following the FYROM developments from Brussels, should hasten instead to Thessaloniki to have a better picture of the situation".

Pack, in turn, said that the European Union should press for an amendment of the FYROM constitution so that it specified that the country comprised two peoples, and not one. She also called for the referral of ousted Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic to trial, in Serbian courts for the crimes she said he committed against the country, and at the International Court of Justice at The Hague for the charges against him of crimes against humanity.

Also addressing the seminar, the new prime minister of the Bosnian Serb republic, Mladen Ivanic, said that despite the difficulties, there was relative stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the situation was much better than a few years ago, although problems arose at times, such as recently with the mosque in Banja Luka.

Ivanic said that 20 percent of the refugees had returned, adding that Bosnia-Herzegovina would survive only if its inhabitants were ready for compromise.

Greece's main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, whose party belongs to the PPE grouping in the Europarliament, said that the principles of inviolability of borders, cooperation, and respect of human and minority rights was the sole basis on which a new course for the entire Balkans could be built.

On the vents in FYROM, Karamanlis said it was the obligation of the international community to make it clear to the extremist elements that secession actions would not be tolerated and that it was determined to not allow even one incident of ethnic hate without reaction against the perpetrators.

During the discussion that followed, a representative of Kosovo Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova's Democratic League of Kosovo said that the situation would deflate only if independence was granted to Kosovo, a statement that sparked strong reactions by Pack and Karamanlis, who retorted that such a development would pave the way for other border changes in the southern Balkans.

European Parliament official criticizes Orthodox Church over Bosnia war: European Parliament Relations Committee with southeast Europe President Doris Pack, addressing a two-day conference organized in Thessaloniki by the European Peoples' Party, on Wednesday criticized the leadership of the Orthodox Church for "tolerating and covering up crimes" which, as she said, were perpetrated by Serb leader Radovan Karadzic during the war in Bosnia.

"The leadership of the Orthodox Church should apologies because it blessed Karadzic every time he set out to slaughter people," she said.

Pack also called for the immediate arrest of Karadzic and his sending to the European Court at The Hague, as well as former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to the same court.

[06] Premier to issue call for dialogue on social security problem, industrialists issue proposals

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

During an inner cabinet meeting Wednesday Simitis said that this dialogue should take place so that all sides may table their proposals toward the resolution of the impending crisis of the current social security system, stressing that there will not be any predisposition or preconditions to this discussion.

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, on his part, presented a plan for the support of the social security system, through the establishment of a Social Security Treasury, which will be funded by tax proceeds.

He said that no new taxes will be imposed, rather the problem with social security will be dealt with the creation of this treasury.

Solution to social security issue through dialogue, defense minister indicates: Discussion held at the Inner Cabinet on economic policy and the social security issue was "substantive and useful," Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Wednesday.

He said data was evaluated during the discussion, the strategy PASOK should apply in coming years was confirmed and certain points were specified which will be revealed during Thursday's off-the-agenda Parliamentary debate at party leader level on the course of the economy.

Tsohatzopoulos indicated that a solution to the social security issue would be found through dialogue, planning and cooperation between relevant agencies to facilitate a guarantee that all pensions will be safeguarded with the state's responsibility and participation.

Commenting on a question by the press, Tsohatzopoulos said the content of his meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Berlin does not preoccupy the members of the Inner Cabinet.

Referring to results of the European Socialist Party's conference, Tsohatzopoulos said European Union countries collectively are attempting to tackle the problems of the decade, comparing them on the occasion of globalization and securing a model, which will provide successful economic results for society in its entirety.

Tsohatzopoulos said that for successful results to be achieved for the economy, stability, development and the expectation of European peoples, actions to be undertaken should function for the benefit of society at large.

Federation of Industries issues proposals: Meanwhile, the Association of Greek Industries (SEB) presented its positions on reforming the ailing social security system on Thursday, announcing that those same positions will be tabled during the dialogue the premier is to call for.

SEB's presidium stressed, during a press conference, that it would be dangerous to impose taxes in support of the social security system, claiming that it would be harmful to Greece's competitiveness, while at the same time such taxes would not secure increased income.

Before any discussion on taxation begins, one should look for sources of income that could derive from the decrease of non-payment of contributions to social security funds and by the induction of undocumented foreign workers to the social security system, the presidium said.

SEB proposed that the dialogue should begin with technocrats who would assess the problem to its full extent and the date on which it will become acute.

The presidium stressed that existing data on the social security system were unreliable, noting that the study of the system conducted by British experts include three estimates of existing insured by the Social Security Fund (IKA), one of them being 1.6 million, the other 1.8 million and the third 2.2 million people.

SEB proposed funding from three sources - the employees, the employers and the state. It also proposed that there should be no new taxes to fund the system, a more flexible age limits for retirement, better management of the moneys collected by social security funds and pensions reaching the level of 80 per cent of the employees' income.

Hospital staff to strike over changes in social insurance system: Trade unionists in the health care sector said that they expected a large turnout for a strike on Thursday, which will kick off with a six-hour work stoppage by hospital doctors and staff.

Doctors and nursing staff object to the changes being attempted by the government to the social insurance system and will stop working between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. There will also be a rally and protest march on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., starting at Mavilis Square and proceeding to the Finance and Health Ministries.

[07] Government spokesman says Inner Cabinet discussed government's priorities

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

Reppas further said that a discussion on priorities of the government's work in the near future was held during the Inner Cabinet's meeting.

He said the prime minister assessed priorities, saying the government should place emphasis on structural changes, preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games, privatizations and floatations, the 3rd Community Support framework and its legislative work.

Reppas added that Simitis said the government's economic policy has produced results and this means it strictly adhered to announcements made during the run up to the elections.

He went on to say the content of the Inner Cabinet's discussion was devoted mostly to the course of the Greek economy in light of Thursday's Parliamentary debate at party leader level.

The country's position in the EU is now very good and Greece is now above the average of EU countries, he said.

Referring to Turkey's refusal to allow the Greek Navy General Staff chief to travel to the Axaz base in Turkey by helicopter via Rhodes, claiming that the island is demilitarized, Reppas said Greece set out its views and arguments clearly and allegations made by Ankara do not concern it.

[08] Education minister defends TEI bill as academics step up protests

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

Under the provisions of the bill, the qualifications awarded by TEIs would be considered equivalent to a first degree from university and allow their holders to apply for post-graduate courses.

Themistocles Xanthopoulos, dean of the prestigious Metsovion Polytechnic in Athens, submitted his resignation in writing to Education Minister Petros Efthymiou on Wednesday in protest to the bill, closely followed by the vice-dean in charge of the Metsoviïn's economic planning and development, Simos Simopoulos.

In his letter of resignation, Xanthopoulos said that the academic community has for months striven to persuade the Education ministry that the upgrading of TEIs, while desired by all, "would be false if it only takes place on paper and in law."

Speaking in Parliament, meanwhile, Efthymiou claimed that the upgrade was a "mature right" of TEI schools, in line with the practice in all other EU countries.

He also pointed out that many TEI graduates had already been accepted for master’s courses abroad, which had been recognized by the Greek authority for assessing foreign degrees, DIKATSA.

The minister stressed that the government was not trying to merge TEIs with universities and he accepted a proposal by all the parties to retain the term 'non-university' in the introduction to the bill but remove it from the individual articles.

Another important amendment submitted by the minister on Wednesday was one that would allow TEI departments to participate in the running of post-graduate courses organized by domestic or equivalent foreign universities, where the degrees are awarded by the university.

One of the key objections of TEI teaching staff to the bill is the fact that it forbids TEIs from offering or running such courses.

Almost all the opposition parties opposed the government's bill, saying that it did not fully address the problems and that TEIs would end up in a worse position as a result.

Protests: Teaching staff at TEIs said they would stay away from classes starting from Wednesday in protest to the bill, while TEI administrations have decided to close the schools down on Thursday and Friday. Universities will join the fray on May 16 and 17 with a 48-hour strike, demanding that each of the TEI schools be individually assessed before they are upgraded.

Meanwhile, TEI teachers and students were marching toward Parliament earlier on Wednesday, to protest the bill.

Commenting on the reactions in Parliament, the Education minister said that "it was logical for a small minority to react" but that no good could come to a society that was not prepared to change.

Reactions to the bill from the academic community have been constant since it was first announced in February. Universities closed down for three days in April when the bill was again being debated in Parliament. One of the key demands made by academics is that each institute be individually assessed before being upgraded, to ensure that minimum standards are maintained.

The most recent backlash to the bill was the resignation, en masse, of the Thessaloniki TEI administrative council last week.

TEI teaching staff objects to provisions in the bill that would prevent the schools from either planning or offering post-graduate courses or carrying out research.

[09] Greece celebrates 20th anniversary since its European Union entry

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis, in his address to this momentous anniversary, reaffirmed Greece's steady orientation toward the European value system, which, he said, is an inexorable part of "our historical heritage".

Greece's course during these last 20 years presented new capabilities to both the society and economy of the country, Simitis said, adding that "our participation in the EU opened a new chapter for the consolidation of our national security".

"It presented the capability to Greece to become an element of stability, peace and cooperation in the Balkans and for this reason our country supports the approach of those countries to the European family, insisting on the need for respect of the principles of international law, democracy, the rule of law, the regional cooperation," he said.

He added that "Greece supports the enlargement process and the fact that Cyprus participates in this process without obstacles in the accession process is especially important for the stability and peace in Europe".

He also called for the Union to undertake its historical responsibilities for the prevention and management of crisis situations, "we want a new humanistic approach for the future of European society".

On his part, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis said that Greece advanced "by several steps" in the past 20 years since his uncle - then prime minister of Greece - worked for and achieved Greece's entry to the Union.

"We have gained a lot. Unfortunately, however, the steps we took were much smaller than those of our partners. We tumbled down to the last place, both in social and economic convergence ranking," Karamanlis said.

Karamanlis also stressed that it is the obligation of all to work for a Europe with open horizons, total transparency with model democratic processes and common, commonly protected borders.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said that the fact that Greece is a member of the European Union and the Economic Monetary Union is positive, adding however that these are minimal achievements.

He added that the insistence of our national policies to the nominal convergence with Europe, to the one-sided austerity and the adoption of neo-liberal models might transform Greece's participation to the Union unequal and marginal.

[10] Christodoulos arrives in St Petersburg, pays homage to WWII dead

MOSCOW, 10/05/2001 (ANA - M. Papoutsaki)

Immediately after his arrival, Christodoulos visited a cemetery for servicemen killed in World War II, to take part in an impressive and solemn ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the end of the war, attended by members of the Russian government, foreign dignitaries, WWII vets and ordinary people.

The Archbishop seemed visibly moved as he came forward to lay a wreath at a monument for the fallen, surrounded by the graves of hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers who had lost their lives in that war, while he later conducted a service in memory of the dead.

On Tuesday night, meanwhile, Christodoulos had accompanied Russian President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexiy to a concert at the Kremlin's Conference Palace in memory of the Russians' patriotic war and their victory against Nazism.

According to Christodoulos' aides, among the subjects discussed during an earlier 20-minute meeting between Putin and the Archbishop were the Cyprus problem and the Aegean. Clarifying that the Greek Church Primate did not discuss these issues as a representative of the Greek State, they said that Christodoulos had nevertheless welcomed Russia's support of Greek positions.

A Kremlin announcement on Tuesday said only that Putin and Archbishop Christodoulos had discussed relations between the two countries and the two Churches.

Putin had said the two Church primates contributed to the promotion of relations between the two peoples and also referred to trade relations, saying that they are at a level forming a basis for better cooperation.

Archbishop Christodoulos referred to the common characteristics of the two peoples, which are none other than the heroism they both displayed during World War Two.

He also told Alexiy "we are aware of your struggles to lead Russian society to its new prospects after a long period during which this people had been bound."

All three agreed on the particular importance and role of the Orthodox Church during the 21st century, as well as on the importance of good relations between Church and state.

During his stay in Saint Petersburg, Archbishop Christodoulos is to visit the city's bishop, monasteries and theological academies.

[11] New Buenos Aires Orthodox Metropolitan elected

ISTANBUL, 10/05/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

He graduated from the Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston Massachusetts and continued his studies at the Institute of Eastern Studies of Rome and at the Paleography School of the Vatican.

He served the Ecumenical Holy See for more than 10 years and during that time he accompanied Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos to some of the most important missions of the Patriarchate abroad.

[12] MPs demand Parliament protest over brutality in Turkish jails

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

[13] Budget revenues up 14.6 percent in April

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

A ministry statement said that the growth rate in the January-April period exceeded an annual target for a 8.2 percent increase, with the difference accounting for a revenues' surplus of 45 billion drachmas in this year's budget.

The ministry said the figures were even more significant because of lower revenues from stock market transactions, totalling 84 billion drachmas in the first four months of the year.

Tax agencies' revenues rose 10.2 percent in April (up 10.5 percent in Jan-April), customs' revenues increased 2.0 percent and 4.2 percent, over the same periods, while value added tax revenues soared 28.7 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively.

[14] Farmers' income in 2000 rose by 2.1 pct, topping EU average

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

Greece ranked 9th in the 15-nation bloc in terms of farmers' income.

Also in 2000, Greece came second with an 11.6 percent rise for farming subsidies, against an EU average of a 1.8 percent decline, Eurostat said in a statement

[15] Development minister presents four support programs for tourist businesses

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

The budgets for the four programs amount to 175.6 billion drachmas (public expenditures total 68.8 billion drachmas and private participation 106.8 billion). It has been assessed that 3,000 new jobs will be created for tourism on a permanent basis, while during the phase of program implementation jobs will amount to 14,070.

The four investment guides concern modernization of hotels and camping grounds already in operation, the establishment, expansion and modernization of special tourist facilities, the establishment and expansion of hotels and the conversion of traditional or landmark buildings into main tourist lodgings.

Christodoulakis said from now on all small and medium-size tourist businesses without exception, and those that are not hotels, can join some program.

[16] Rumors drive Greek stocks sharply lower on ASE

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

Traders said pressure on blue chip stocks was a result of selling by emerging markets' foreign institutional investors, who were leaving the Greek bourse ahead of its upgrading into a mature market this month.

Turnover soared to 244.15 million euros, or 83.19 billion drachmas, reflecting a wave of buying by foreign institutional investors - with developed market portfolios - in the last half hour of the session.

The general index ended 1.35 percent lower at 3,112.90 points, off the day's lows of 3,090.73 points.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks dropped 1.62 percent to 1,828.33 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index eased 0.18 percent to 356.31 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,738.02 -1.94% Telecoms: 1,068.63 -1.39% Insurance: 1,437.25 -1.12% Investment: 1,041.56 -0.90% Construction: 1,427.42 -1.28% Industrials: 1,833.53 -0.97% Holding: 3,611.02 -0.48% Base metals: 961.15 -0.05% Minerals: 1,042.07 -0.81% Publishing: 903.20 -1.47% Textiles: 1,063.26 -1.17% Retailing: 1,131.19 +0.39% IT: 969.62 +0.17% IT solutions: 897.51 -1.70% Wholesale: 878.78 -1.33% Food & Beverage: 876.46 -0.52%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 306.36 points, off 1.08 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 251 to 77 with another 33 issues unchanged.

Kekrops, Viosol, Olympic Catering, Vardas, Xylemporia, Ippo-tour, Mosholios, Macedonian Plastics, Atlantic and Tasoglou scored the biggest percentage gains, while Intersat, Desmos, Hellenic Spinning, Electra, Imaco, Edrasi, Iktinos and Kleeman Hellas suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank, Alpha Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, EFG Eurobank Ergasias and Commercial Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 42.30 Alpha Bank: 30.86 Commercial Bank: 52.16 Egnatia Bank: 5.32 Eurobank: 16.88 Piraeus Bank: 13.70 Lambrakis Press: 12.40 Altec: 6.20 Intrasoft: 9.86 Technodomiki: 7.46 Titan Cement: 40.26 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.94 Panafon: 7.00 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.04 Attica Enterprises: 8.38 Intracom: 19.88 Mytilineos: 7.54 Minoan Lines: 4.60 Viohalco: 11.04 Coca Cola HBC: 15.96

Bond prices rise in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished higher in heavy trade with players focusing on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.45 percent from 5.47 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 51 basis points, the same as in the previous two sessions.

Equity futures end down, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Wednesday, in line with the bourse indices on which they are based, traders said.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.62 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.18 percent lower.

Traded were 10,113 contracts on turnover of 80.7 million euros.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.1 billion euros (375 billion drachmas) from 1.7 billion euros (593 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[17] Prince of Wales continues private visit to Mount Athos

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

The group "Friends of Mount Athos", which is undertaking the conservation efforts on the verdant mountainous peninsula, ranks as among Charles' many patron organizations and charities.

The heir to the British throne arrived on Mount Athos on Monday, and has being staying at the renowned Vatopedion Monastery. Other stops at one or more of the 20 Orthodox monasteries on the all-male monastic community may be included on his itinerary. He is expected to depart either on Thursday or Friday.

[18] Monograph of Cambridge professor on ancient Greeks presented in London

LONDON, 10/05/2001 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Catledge has written a series of monographs on Greece including "The Cambridge Illustrated History of Ancient Greece" and edited others such as "A History of Greece : From the Time of Solon to 403 BC"

[19] New tourist guide for Greece unveiled

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

The guide will be distributed in some 30 countries, according to representatives for the company, Greece Holidays Ltd.

The guide includes portions written in Greek, English, German, Italian and Russian.

According to firm's representatives, a new website will soon be unveiled at www.ellada-diakopon.gr offering information similar to the ones found in the tourist guide.

[20] Greek soccer federation agrees to joint 2008 bid with Turkish counterpart

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

EPO general secretary Vassilis Gagatsis said the Greek Federation has formally replied to its Turkish counterpart that it accepts, in principle, discussions to co-organize the tournament.

He added that the two federations would submit their candidacy to UEFA if a final agreement is reached.

A Sept. 30, 2002 deadline would have to met if the two federations commit to a joint candidacy, with a decision expected by December 2003.

The Netherlands and Belgium jointed hosted last year's Euro 2000, while Japan and Korea will organize the next year's 2002 World Cup.

According to EPO vice-president Aristidis Stathopoulos, the joint holding of the tournament would further strengthen ties between the two peoples and federations, while providing local fans with an opportunity to enjoy great football.

EPO's agreement came with the blessing of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the country's sports minister.

Often embittered Greek-Turkish relations have distinctly improved since 1999 although certain differences remain.

[21] Attikat group gets part of Olympic Village construction deal

Athens, 10/05/2001 (ANA)

As a member of the consortium, Attikat on Wednesday informed the Athens Stock Exchange that Olympic Village 2004 SA had awarded it a segment of the overall project that includes the construction of 602 dwellings, budgeted at 25 billion drachmas and at a discount of 9.0 percent.

[22] Commissioner satisfied with progress made in Cyprus' EU course

NICOSIA, 10/05/2001 (CNA/ANA)

On his part, the Republic's chief negotiator in the accession talks with the EU George Vassiliou recalled that Wednesday was Europe Day and the 51st anniversary since the Union was set up and said it is of particular importance to Cypriots who look towards a secure future when their country becomes a member state.

Describing EU enlargement as an "historic endeavor", Byrne said he discussed health, consumer protection and food safety and noted it is important that contact is maintained so that EU laws are fully transposed into Cyprus' national law and completely implemented.

"Very good progress has been made by Cyprus in this endeavor, very hard work has been undertaken by the officials of the government here and of my own officials to achieve this," he said, recalling that 18 chapters of the EU acquis communautaire (laws and regulations) have been provisionally closed and another five are expected to close in the near future.

Underling the importance of food safety, the EU Commissioner said he was presented with a strategy document on this issue, which sets out the way forward for Cyprus over the coming months.

Asked if the political situation on the island is being taken into consideration, he pointed out that Cyprus negotiates as an entire island and said the various ministers with whom he met assured him "they have taken steps to ensure that problems do not arise".

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